MORE TIME, LABOR, AND MONEY
What is the benefit of not having to prime a roof before applying a coating? That’s a difficult question to answer accurately, since it varies so much from roof to roof, but we know for sure that applying a primer requires more time, more equipment, and more material. Each of these components requires the same thing: money.
Applying a primer coat before applying a roof coating costs more money, so we can accurately assume that NOT applying a primer coat saves money. This is evidence that perhaps the greatest downfall of acrylic coatings is that they almost always require a primer coat which takes up more of your time and money.
Budget Difficulties
If you’re a building owner, this could be the difference between whether or not you apply a new roof coating to your entire roof, or only certain sections. We understand that cash-flow problems and budget cuts are a real thing, and if you have to spend an extra three days and purchase a primer for your entire roof, you may run out of cash. This is a major problem if you need a new roof coating.
If you’re a contractor, having to quote the primer coat and extra days of labor could cost you a job, especially if you’re competing with a silicone contractor who doesn’t need a primer at all. We work with contractors a lot, and we know that you don’t want to miss out on any jobs that you bid if you’re a contractor.
Avoiding a Primer
Acrylic coatings are typically marketed based on the selling point that they are inexpensive. However, in order to be inexpensive, they lack a lot of the benefits that silicone offers because they aren’t carefully formulated. Silicone is more expensive per gallon, but it can actually save you money on the project because it rarely requires a primer to obtain good adhesion, and it can be applied more quickly than an acrylic coating. Acrylic coatings may be inexpensive, but based on their performance, one might also call them cheap.
Conclusion
Acrylic coatings are the right choice in certain situations, but they are also the wrong choice in certain situations. In order to decide if they are right for your situation, just examine the variables and your goals for the project. If you have any questions you’d like to ask us, don’t hesitate to call or fill out the contact form today.
